About Scenic Nevada

Scenic Nevada is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, non-partisan, environmental and conservation organization that works to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic character of Nevada. Our principal activities are to educate the general public of the economic, social, and cultural benefits of scenic preservation.

This includes billboard and sign control, protecting and supporting Scenic Byways, supporting open space and greenways plans, advocating for undergrounding power lines and minimizing the impact of cell towers. Founded by Douglas G. Smith in 2000 to combat the proliferation of billboards in Reno, Scenic Nevada has grown to become a statewide organization. We are an all-volunteer group of people working to protect the scenic beauty of Nevada’s majestic landscape as well as the scenic character of our communities.

Who We Are

Scenic Nevada is a group of volunteers – Nevada residents just like you.

Our Mission

We work to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic character of Nevada.

What We Stand For

Nevada is unique for its landscapes and open spaces, from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the desert plains of the Mojave to the wild northern valleys.

We believe that communities can plan residential and commercial spaces to compliment nearby scenic areas open to outdoor recreation. Communities also can use strong sign control to protect scenic vistas along roadways. Scenic Nevada helps ensure that growth includes preservation of the scenic beauty that contributes to the economic vitality of Nevada.

Where to Find Us

Scenic Nevada is based in Reno. Its membership is open to all residents.

Billboard Control: Scenic Nevada was the author of Billboard Ballot Question R-1, which was passed by Reno voters in November of 2000 by 57%, or more than 32,000 people. R-1 asked voters if the City of Reno should prohibit new construction and new permits for billboards. The answer was a resounding yes, which uncovered overwhelming support for the cessation of unregulated billboard growth.

Membership: Scenic Nevada, headquartered in Reno, is open to everyone, although our efforts are focused toward the benefit of Nevada. Our organization utilizes the talents and passions of a dedicated, diverse base of members who believe there is reason to protect the natural beauty of Nevada. We are an established and vigorous group which has begun to awaken a regional consciousness about the encroaching dangers to our communities and wilderness including sprawl, permissive sign codes and insensitive development.

Scenic America: Scenic Nevada is an Affiliate Member of Scenic America, which is a national, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. whose mission is to preserve and enhance the scenic character of America’s communities and countryside. Since 1978, Scenic America has helped citizens and public officials in thousands of communities nationwide to protect their scenic heritage. Scenic America advocates for federal, state, and local laws and policies that support scenic conservation and community livability. Scenic America supports strong sign control, progressive transportation policy, responsible land-use planning, and other measures to preserve natural beauty and distinctive community character. It is dedicated to the principle that “change is inevitable; ugliness is not.”